Works of God Monday

Does God care about little things? I would submit that He does! The Bible says that He knows how many hairs are on our heads, and that He provides for all our needs. He even surprises us with little blessings.

This week was a busy, busy week. I am beginning to long for the end of May in hopes that the summer slows down a little bit and we can take some deep breaths before baby #2 arrives! In all the scurrying about, I kept forgetting to bring my "fridge list" to the grocery store - I usually write down the things that I am almost out of or completely out of on a pad on the fridge. (my other items I type out when I do menu planning) I went to the grocery store TWICE this week, which is unusual, and both times did an ok job of remembering what I needed to buy - EXCEPT I kept forgetting to buy Lawry's seasoned salt, which at our house is a seasoning that we just don't care to run out of.

Yesterday I decided to stop by the store and buy a paper in the afternoon, and I decided to grab a canister of Lawry's, too. It "just so happened" to be on sale - BOGO! I was delighted and was praising the Lord for His little blessing, even as I was forgetful and absentminded!

It's your turn!! Let's encourage one another in the Lord! First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

If you've never used Mister Linky before, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

If you don't have a blog, feel free to leave your works of God testimony in the comment section!

God's Plan

It’s good for me to have a little wake up call every once in awhile. On Tuesday, I wrote a blog post about what happens when God works and it is different from what I wanted or expected. I got a great question from Amanda, basically, “What do you mean when you say that God has a plan for me?” It is such a privilege to be able to have a shot at answering your question, Amanda. Thanks again for asking it. I had a great time (and a brain-stretching time) trying to condense everything.

Speaking of condensing, I didn't do a very good job with that. I came up with just over 3 pages in Word. So I decided that instead of typing all of that out here, I would just link to the document.

So here it is! I hope it helps. (I pray it is accurate - please, study it out for yourself!!) Please comment with discernment and in love, keeping in mind that the readers all have different backgrounds, and that we are all at different places in our walks with the Lord. You can contact me personally here

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

it's coming...

So for all who are wondering when I'm going to post an answer to Tuesday's question, it's coming. It's a long answer. And I'm still working on it. Please be patient!!

While you're waiting, head to Dunkin' Donuts for a free iced coffee. And McDonald's for an almost-free dinner. If you can resist the urge to buy fries, that is.

Muth baby #2 is coming, too, right on schedule so far. Monday was an appointment with the world's fastest doctor, and there was great news - my blood pressure was fabulous (90/60) and he's checking to see how we can get the most accurate readout for my 28 week blood glucose test with a diabetes-like finger prick. Looks like I'm going to squeak by without lab work, hallelujah!

Tuesday was my first prenatal visit with our midwife, and I was much encouraged to talk with her and experience a different kind of care. My heart longs for a home birth, so right now we are praying even more fervently that God would make His plan for this birth known to us. I am confident that He will. We appreciate your prayers for us, too!

If you haven't yet, vote on your best guess on the gender of baby #2. The only clue-like info I've got is that the doc counted 148 beats per minute on the doppler, and the midwife counted 156 on the fetoscope while baby was moving around fiestily. My medical records indicate that Aaron's heartbeat was 149 at this point in the pregnancy. Happy Voting!

for the grandmas

Some photos of the recent events
Aaron relaxing on the big ball,
Us at the junior high youth activity (we fit in well, obviously)
Aaron, a vvvvery big boy, coloring
and
putting the crayons back
(he's quite particular)

When God is at Work

What do you do when God WORKS and you don't really like it? I'm one hundred percent certain that it means the problem is with me and my thinking, and not with God and His working.

Here's just one example:

For the past couple of months some of our closest friends here have been considering what God would have them do about moving. Not across town or even to another town nearby. No. Across the country. Pretty much as far away from Michigan as you can get and still be in the US. God has definitely been working to show them each step in this process, and it's not like it's a done deal - they are still praying, and I am still in complete and total denial. Friends like this just don't happen every day. I have to be honest. I. don't. want. them. to. move. But God might, and I need to be okay with that.

So here is where the practical part of my theology, my view of God, is supposed to kick in, and I'm supposed to start asking the right kind of questions.

What do I know to be true about God? He is Sovereign, He has a plan, it is for our good, it will give Him glory, He wants us to trust Him, He loves us, He knows what is best. He has promised to lead us, never leave us, give grace, give wisdom, provide, and the list goes on. (I'm already reassured, how about you?)

What do I know to be true about myself? I do not know best, I am not perfect, am not eternally minded, have no idea what God's long-term plans are, cannot be trusted, have a heart that is sinful and selfish. I am helpless, without wisdom, weak, needy.

Sounds like the perfect fit. As long as I trust Him. And guess what? There are more things God is doing that, at first look, are "uncomfortable" for me. But He is at work in my heart, too. He gives more grace, more strength for me to trust Him in every situation, every day. I cannot handle the daunting task of yielding my will, of trusting, but God can. He is working - in our friends, in this specific situation, and in my heart.

I am learning. Slowly, but richly - beyond knowing in my head. I am growing in grace. I am growing in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior, a knowledge that comes by experience, by tasting to see that the Lord is GOOD. And I am learning to praise Him, to bless His name, His works, at all times.

works of God Monday

I can't wait to share what God is doing in my life, but I can't at the moment. I'm feeling ill and have about ten million things to get done, so will post my works of God testimony either later today or later this week, depending on how this day goes.

For now, it's YOUR turn!! Let's encourage one another in the Lord! First, blog about what God has been doing in your life this week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

If you've never used Mister Linky before, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

for moms (or really, anyone)

I am subscribed to Joy in the Journey in my Google Reader and have really enjoyed reading about this missionary family (I do not know them) and the things that God has done in their lives. Today, there is an especially good post about dealing with guilt.

Joy is writing from a mom's perspective, and it is true that we as moms deal with it, but I think even on a more basic level, women deal with it. A lot. The "coulda-shoulda-woulda's," as I have heard them called, can really feed a destructive pattern of thinking that will take away our joy and leave us feeling defeated. (which of course, Satan really loves) But enough from me. Go read the post!

this joy is mine

Behold, one of Michael's favorite memories. He remembers mom reading to him and his siblings. And he remembers this book. (Which actually is saying a lot. He doesn't remember a whole lot of specifics from his childhood like this)

Around the time Aaron was born, Mom & Mary gathered up all the children's books with his name in them and sent them to us. What a treasure that box was! There are at least 20 Little Golden Books that say "This book belongs to Michael Muth" and that alone is enough to bring a smile to my face

We've been reading books right before nap times with Aaron, and just recently have begun to read the Little Golden Books mom sent so long ago. Today at naptime, Aaron said "Read book!? Timmy?" and was really excited when I grabbed it off the shelf. I am thrilled that I get to be a part of the tradition and read to our little boy from his daddy's childhood books.

I do have to admit I get a little choked up when I read the last page, "Timmy is a big boy. You are big too! Timmy can do lots of things. So can you."

Wednesdays are Crazy Days

Does everyone have a day of the week that is an automatic no for extras? I can do errands, watch peoples' kids, get hair cuts, set up doctor visits and cook up a storm any day of the week.

Except Wednesdays. We.Are.Always.Busy.On.Wednesday.

It has made life much better since I started saying "no" to Wednesday extras. For us, it means that Michael comes home early from work in order to finish up the final touches on Wednesday night's youth group events, go over his message, and still have enough time to eat dinner, get a shower, and all of us be out the door at 5:30 to pick up the kids we take with us. During the day I finish up the mundane parts of the Wednesday program - the papers we send home with the kids, the agendas for the workers for the following weeks, adding up the points, updating the youth group blog (on occasion) and making dinner MUCH earlier.

And, Something Unexpected always happens on Wednesday of all days. Of course I try to be flexible and work through it. But saying no has been the best decision for us this year. It has made such a difference.

What day of the week is your busiest? What makes it that way? And, of course most importantly, what is your "go to" dinner for those Crazy Days?

Works of God Monday

Here are just some of the works of God on behalf of the Muth family this past week. (I couldn't possibly pick just one, so I decided to go with a short list of a few...)

1. The birth of a new niece, Kiersten Joy! Congrats to Tim & Sarah Valiante and big brother Micah. We are so excited for you all, and grateful to God for the miracle of life, and a safe delivery.

2. God provided TWO free window air conditioning units for us via Freecycle. Do I need to go into detail about what a blessing that will be to my big pregnant self this summer? (I didn't think that would be necessary.) Talk about a happy hallelujah moment.

3. Through the wonder and excitement of garage sales, God provided a replacement door for our outside back entrance for $35. For those of you not familiar with home renovation supplies, that is a significant savings. As an added blessing, it was just what we had been looking for.

4. When I was pregnant with Aaron, I bought a crib bumper at a garage sale and re-covered it but I could still see the old design peeking through, plus it wasn't quite long enough to go all the way around the crib, so I planned to recover it again with chocolate brown corduroy and lengthen it, too. Also on the list of things to do before the baby is born was buy more crib sheets (we just have 2 total that fit our mattresses) and another waterproof pad or two. This weekend God provided a like-new bumper in the perfect shade of green, three more crib sheets and a waterproof pad for $12. Woo HOO!

Now it's YOUR turn!! Let's encourage one another in the Lord! First, blog about what God has been doing in your life this week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

If you've never used Mister Linky before, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

appreciated

I found this link for an adorable teacher appreciation gift over at MomAdvice, and applauded! Out loud, for no one to hear but me. Hurray, any teacher could use this!! And it isn't apple-y or scented or something to use in the tub or another candle! (again, this is one of those things I'm linking in order to find later)

And for all you parents of currently school aged children, check out this idea that blessed a teacher friend of mine. You've got just enough time to organize for the year-end teacher appreciation! You could do the same idea with a summery flowerpot with construction paper or silk flowers and the gift cards attached to the stems.

and no, the photo is not related. But these two are, and aren't they cute?

faux pas

Thank you, Mrs. Marsteller. You, teacher of secondary level English, have continued to make me aware of grammatical hilarity, even beyond your years as my instructor. For that (and other things) I will be forever indebted.

Last Friday, calling for work, I heard:

Hi, you've reached the voice mail of _____. Your call is important to me, and I'm sorry I was unable to answer. Please be sure to leave me your name and number and I'd be happy to return it. (name? the number? I was laughing so hard I could barely leave a message)

And last month, on the way to the OB office we passed a florist. The sign said this:

THINK SPRING BOKAY $9.95 (are you SERIOUS?!)

just a little word...

For those of you who have children who use sippy cups:

If, hypothetically, you were to take your children to the store for a quick trip and they were to say, throw their sippy cup overboard from the cart, you might want to check to make sure the valve (the one inside to prevent leaks) is still intact and in the proper position before putting it in your purse.

Otherwise, you run the risk of foreign substances invading your purse. Like apple juice. It might even leak out of the purse and run down your leg. Apple juice is sticky.

And you might be very thankful that you have a cloth, washable purse. And that you decided to put your cell phone in a place out of the way of the torrential leakage.

Exciting News! (for all you rebate shoppers)

I just found out that Walgreens is now accepting online rebate submissions in all 50 states! I have to admit that I have been slacking off with Walgreens since I knew that I'd have to do the work of getting together and marking receipts, marking the rebate form, and sending it in...by the correct day. (which is by far the hardest part for me)

I feel like another window has opened, and more rebates are mine! Bring on the free stuff!

Ladies Retreat

This past weekend about 75 ladies from our church went up to Camp Co Be Ac for a retreat, and we had a great time. Previously we have gone to a hotel in West Branch, and although there were some things about being at a camp that were not as comfy or convenient as a hotel, it was really nice to be in an environment where we could all be still and enjoy the camp and just be all to ourselves for 24 hours. I left my camera home, so this is going to be a photo-free post. So sorry!

I missed Michael and Aaron dreadfully, but I do have to admit that I definitely underestimate how much brain power it takes to be thinking of the care of a child. It was so nice to be only responsible for myself, and be able to fully soak up the weekend. But I was THRILLED to come home to my boys.

Debbie Pryde was the main speaker, and Mrs. Marla Hanna, missionary to Taiwan, shared some things that God had taught her in regard to her thinking. Mrs. Hanna's testimony was amazing, as she transparently shared how her wrong thinking patterns had built up until the family had to come home from the field temporarily in order to get some biblical counsel. She reminded us from Phil. 4 about the things we should be thinking about, the things we know to be true and real. (by the way, if you haven't read this book on the topic, you NEED to get a copy!!)

During her testimony, she mentioned that God is going to accomplish His work whether or not we are participants, but that He chooses to use us. I'm not sure why, but that truth that I've had in my brain for a long while hit my heart in a different way this weekend. And it hit with a big "WHY?" Why would God choose to use me? He wants me to see Him working in an up close, front row kind of way, in order that I can know that it is HIM doing the work, in order that I may give Him glory. He lets me help Him so that I can know Him, so that I can praise Him for His works. Amazing.

During the weekend, I was very convicted that I need to be putting 100% into the ministry God has given me here at home and be content with His will for my life in this season, and not be looking back or forward to what I've been able to do in the past or what I might be able to do in the future. Or as Dr. Olilla used to remind us in the words of Jim Elliot, "Wherever you are, be all there." This is something I've been struggling with a lot since Aaron was born, and God is gracious and merciful to continue to lovingly and patiently guide me along, reminding me of His Word.

I know that the ministry of home is VERY important, it is just my wrong thinking that convinces me that it is not so very "full of action" or "exciting" especially in the results category. As you moms know, we can be easily tempted to think that our job is thankless and tedious at times (especially during the 49th disciplinary session of the day).

So, God showed me that I need to be relying on the Holy Spirit and the Word to retrain my thoughts, to rejoice in the ministry at home, to give it my all 100% of the time. It was a GREAT weekend and I was thankful for the opportunity to attend.

Works of God Monday

This weekend at ladies' retreat I was reminded of the importance of being purposeful at seeing God at work in every day. I was thinking back to my own childhood and made sure to thank mom for starting the pattern of identifying God's hand in the little and the big things that happened, and praising Him for them. Mom was great about reminding us that it was God who helped us obey, it was God who gave us a sunny day, etc. I am sure dad did the same thing, but since he was at work a lot of the time, most of my memories are of mom's reminders. This was a great beginning for me to form a habit of praising God for His work.

Then, of course, I remembered Works of God Monday during Monday chapels for each of my years at Northland, and the testimonies we would hear of how God was working in fellow students' lives. Sometimes it would be $3 in the mail right when someone needed laundry money, or an opportunity to share the gospel, or some other way that God had shown that He was alive and working in our lives.

So I was thinking - there are bunches of "theme" days out there on the web, why not start our own virtual bloggy Works of God Monday? I hope this will be a blessing and encouragement to you as you read of how God has been at work in your life and in others' lives this past week! I will be posting on each Monday, but feel free to add posts throughout the week or save it until the next Monday. If you want to link a post that you've written this past week, that would be great!! God is definitely at work - let's encourage one another!

If you've never used Mister Linky before, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like (or someone can volunteer to make a much nicer one!) Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

and another happy Friday

So, in the last couple days I've had several requests via different blog readers for my whole wheat waffle recipe. It made me howl with laughter and wish to goodness that I had a really great waffle recipe. Hang on to your hats, kids, 'cause this is a doozy.

Whole Wheat Waffles

Buy Eggo Nutrigrain Whole Wheat Waffles
Buy them on sale
Use a coupon
Get a great deal
Pat self on back at good fortune
Take them home
Put them in the toaster
Feed them to your unsuspecting children
Read the box
Realize how many preservatives are in there
Kick self for stupidity
Breathe a sigh of relief that at least there is no high fructose corn syrup
Pat self on back at good fortune
Put "waffle iron" on the garage sale wish list
Keep feeding them to unsuspecting children until they are gone.

Repeat as necessary.

*grin*

And now that I've worked up such a sweat "making" these waffles, I think what I need is to attend the annual Ladies Retreat with other ladies from church...24 hours away from my family really stinks, but I'm looking forward to learning more about my God and spending time with some friends (and my mommy!) Have a great weekend, and make yourself some waffles! (try Alicia's recipe, perhaps?)

spinning

I've been doing a little reading, a little news-watching, and a little research to see what I can learn about the Serious Things taking place in Texas in regard to sects, and the history of these sects. I'm not going to get more specific because I don't want to cause a major onslaught of G*ogle searches to land here for similar reasons.

I have questions - lots - that will probably never be uttered here, about this specific sect and about general church history. My heart is so heavy for the darkness that is in so many hearts. My arms ache to hold the precious children who are hurting and who are so, so lost.

And I must say, in my reading, I have become even more concerned about the label so many churches in our circles attach to their names. It's the same word that was intended to focus our doctrine on the "basics" of the faith, a word that many different religi*ns use to describe radical offshoots, a word that some independent churches in my particular circle of reference cling a little tightly to. Is this label worth the confusion it creates in the general populous? I would think not.

I can't help but wonder what these highly published recent happenings will mean for my family, my church, my community in the near future, or what impact the events will have on religi*s freedom in years to come. And I can't help but think "that word" is a blurry one, one for which we should try to substitute something clearer.

I am very thankful, beyond words for a fellowship of believers whose foundation is the unchanging, complete, revealed Word of God, and not the words and rulings of its leaders. I am even more thankful for the fact that because of Christ's death on the cross, I am able to approach Him boldly, that I have an advocate in Jesus. When my brain is spinning, when questions go unanswered, my soul can arise. My foundation is sure.

Crafty Wafty

OK, I admit it. Sometimes, I link things here just so that I'll be able to find them later, when they are more appropriate for the ages of my kiddo(s). Maybe it will, in the process, be helpful to some of you all.

I'm not really that into crafts. I don't sit around and scrapbook, or paint wooden shapes to sell at craft shows. But this is pretty cool, and looks like a great project for kids. I know that someday I'll probably have a houseful of little crafters. So check this out - make your own stamps. I can only imagine the possibilities here with all those pre cut craft foam shapes. Sounds like an absolutely fabulous rainy day activity or even a semi educational experience. (using letters, animal shapes, etc)

thanks giving (spring version)

I am thankful that I can still sleep somewhat face down. I know it won't last long, as I am well into my second trimester, but I love being a tummy sleeper, and I am thankful it is still possible. Especially since congestion has found me, once again.

I am thankful for tissues, with lotion.

I am thankful for a happy napper and and independent playtime expert.

I am thankful for sunshine, and for my daffodils that finally bloomed.

I am thankful for this brief period of picnics with no bugs. Specifically, no mosquitoes.

I am thankful for a hard working husband who came home and did the majority of the work stuffing yard refuse bags until 9pm, after a full day's work. And then he studied for the Wed. night youth group lesson. He's amazing.

I am thankful that chicken soup fixin's are in our house and thankful for this "easy stage" of having two children.

Thank you, Lord, for your all sufficient grace.

upon waking...

Aaron is waking up from his nap. He usually talks for awhile and I let him just happily play. Today, he is cracking me up (again). This is what he is saying:

"Money? Money? Muuuuuhhhhhney?" silence. "Mmmmmmuuuuhney? MONEY!?"

Uh, huh. We are definitely in T.R.O.U.B.L.E.

Off to get my hilarious, adorable little greed monster.

eggs, of the goose variety

Obedience brings blessing, disobedience does not. It's true. I knew it before, and I've felt its sting personally, but to see it illustrated in my child is painful at a completely different level.

"Aaron, come here" was met by complete disregard for his mother's instructions and left this unsightly, and I'm sure uncomfortable, consequence:













Head, meet concrete. Concrete, head.

In that moment, I wanted to take the pain away, to rewind time, to somehow make it so that my precious child would not have to go through the circumstances. And then it dawned on me. How many times have I gotten these on my own spiritual head? How many times must I fall? God, grant me a swift memory and an obedient spirit. And wisdom to teach this boy the truth about You. I disobey, I fall, I get hurt. You always, always pick me up. And Your Love never changes, never fails.

Happy Happy Monday Morning

Aaron's been waking up around 6:30 since daylight started arriving shortly before then. It's a shock to my system, but I think I've finally begun to get used to it.

This morning he chewed his whole wheat waffle into a heart shape. I will take that as a personal I love you note from Aaron, thank you very much.

What a way to start the week!

Oh, and as if that were not enough, the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival starts today. Goody, goody gumdrops!

curious

There are lots of curious people around this house, but Aaron is by far the winner of the label "most curious" and I suppose that is appropriate, given his age and development. I'd probably be quite concerned if he did not have the desire to explore and touch and smell and learn.

My parents did a great job teaching me how to learn, and as Aaron grows, I want to make sure he continues to have a healthy sense of curiosity - one that drives him to find the answers to his questions. Any of you experienced people have any great suggestions? How do you teach a child to be inquisitive??

And speaking of inquisitive, we've got a new poll going on our sidebar. Be sure to vote!!

another timely reminder

Richelle has some great things to say today. Be sure to check it out - it's definitely worth the read!!

OB Update

Success on one front: no one asked me for any blood or made me submit to any invasive procedures. Hallelujah!

Joy on another: We had a wonderful ultrasound! All the main parts are there and in beautiful working order, and we are still unaware of our baby's gender, much to our satisfaction and delight. Praise the Lord for his mercies!!

Delay on another: the hospital records weren't sent over, so Dr. L. won't be able to give me any substantial yes or no answers on The Issues That Matter Most to Us. May 12 is the next opportunity we have to talk to him. We've decided to do some co-care prenatals with the midwife from church, just to keep our options open and so she will have a general idea of how the pregnancy is going in the event that Something Major would change as far as our plans go.

And finally, I miss my family doc. I know a lot of ladies have done OB care but our visit in its entirety, including the ultrasound, took less time than the drive to Saginaw and back. My family doc took probably a half hour every appointment, asking me how things were going and taking his time. *sigh* I guess it's not so much the process, but the end result.

I did feel much more relaxed at this appointment, especially after seeing our precious child wiggling and moving and just generally having a grand time. Thanks so much for your prayers for us!!

"out for delivery"

Those are glorious words, when attached to my Boca Java tracking numbers.

I'm almost completely out of decaf. Perfect timing.

laughter

Aaron is playing in the hallway with a ball and the extension wand to the vacuum. He keeps saying "set....go!" "set...GO" and hitting the ball with the wand. I am dying of laughter. Why buy toys again?

snapshots

Aaron's newest pastime...

(it is sporadic, but this was a Particularly Exciting Trip, the details of which I will spare you)

This book is great, BTW. I just love the illustrations. (If Elephants Wore Pants)





Aaron is quite happy for a chance at a playtime friend. (although he fools you with his expression in this photo) He's quite a social child.







And his favorite hat - from Grandpa Muth! He just loves wearing a hat like daddy!



More photos here




And he's developing QUITE an independent streak. Fun. At least he comes by it honestly. I seem to remember that his mother also shares the independent streak. Another chance for God's mercy and grace to be shown!!! I've never been burdened quite as much for any soul as I am for the souls of my child(ren). I suppose every lost person should cause me such concern. Lord, give me a heart for those who do not know YOU!!

WHAT?!?!

How on earth can I already be at 20 weeks!?!! I'm halfway through this second pregnancy already, and time is FLYING by. We have our second OB appointment tomorrow, complete with scheduled ultrasound, so hopefully by the end of the day tomorrow we will be that much closer to coming to a conclusion about the birth process for this baby.

I had a friend tell me yesterday at church that we don't have control over birth, and to some extent I do agree - God is sovereign over all, including how our birth stories progress and end. But there are some things that we DO have control over, and in those situations, knowledge is power!! It surprises me how little people research and study and plan when it comes to birth.

I know that since Aaron joined us, I have done a lot of research in general, and I wish I'd known half of what I do now then. I wish I'd done more reading on c-sections instead of just assuming that it wouldn't happen to me and avoiding the topic altogether.

So here is my question - what things, looking back on your birthing experiences, did you WISH you had known before you went into birth? What things would you advise a brand new mom-to-be to be cautious of?

Oh, and it goes without saying, but please remember to keep your comments non abrasive, as there are tons of differing opinions in this particular arena. I'm just wondering what your experience has taught you in regard to birth.

amen, amen.

I don't know about you, but I needed this reminder today.

an excerpt:

Tons of people want to do “great things for God.” Instead, we ought to do small things for God, everyday, right now, not tomorrow. He has already given us instructions: love God and our neighbor, act justly, love mercy, walk humbly. In the smallness, there is greatness. In the ordinary, there is extraordinary. Paul Tripp once wrote, “Remember, it is not your weakness that will get in the way of God’s working through you, but your delusions of strength.”

Spending to Save

Sometimes, it's coffee beans that make me happy. Boca Java made me happy when they sent me a great email offer for 4 bags of freshly roasted coffee beans at a great price. Michael said I could take them up on the offer, which made me even happier. I love Boca Java. You order, they roast and mail. Unless I roasted my own beans, I wouldn't find anything fresher. And how can I go wrong with Tropical Kiss or Surfin' Safari in decaf?

Some people think it's ridiculous to spend "that kind of money" on a bag of freshly roasted beans. Some of those same people would spend $4 without blinking on the occasional specialty coffee drink. So, I ask you, is it easier to keep driving past the coffee drink place when you have quality beans waiting for you at home? I assure you that for me, this is the case. (PS if you want a referral code for $10 off your order so you can try it yourself, send an email to me: twomuths at gmail dot com)

I get happy when I can find good coffee for a good price. But coffee is one thing I don't mind spending a little money on, as it usually ends up saving me in the long run. And as I am not ready to give up coffee in the interest of saving money, well. Bring on the Boca Java.

Are there items you splurge on now in order to save later, or just in the interest of your taste buds?

More Free Money

Revolution Money Exchange is a relatively new alternative to Paypal - the great news is that there are no fees to send money, no fees to receive money, and you can use the service to transfer or request money to anyone who also has a Revolution Money Exchange account. The website has some suggestions of how to use the service.

"Pay a friend back for dinner without hitting the ATM. Give a roommate your half of the rent without writing a check. Send a sibling cash to cover your half of mom’s present" and all of these sound pretty practical to me. In addition, you can add the button to your site if you sell things online, and collect your money with NO PAYPAL FEES. This is very very exciting for anyone doing business online!!

The REAL bonus is, until April 15 they are giving you $25 just for signing up! Talk about easy money!! I signed up for an account, and so did Michael, so we've got $50 for about 3 minutes of our time. Click on the button in my sidebar to find out more! (I get $10 when you create an account, just like anyone you refer will add an additional $10 to your account!)

weekend antics

Michael had Friday off, and so of course I was rooting for the "do nothing" kind of weekend where we could catch up on sleep and laziness and just being a family. But I got something far more interesting.

We decided to finally lay the carpet in our bedroom and in the office. We had the carpet, we reasoned, and more than enough time to clear the furniture (with dad's help) and get everything installed by the end of the weekend. Of course, we hit a few roadblocks, and might I just say here for the benefit of anyone living in a home with a concrete slab foundation and radiant, pipes-in-the-floor heat, that concrete gets harder the longer it bakes and it will be impossible to use nails to secure the tack strips. Especially if your house happens to have been built in, say, 1958.

So the project isn't finished quite yet, and this is what my living room looks like. This is everything but the mattress from our bedroom and the contents of the entire office. I'm amazed.

Thankfully, our bedroom looks like this right now, as we wait to stretch the carpet until the tack strip adhesive dries. This is gonna come in handy when entertaining a toddler.

And this is where we are sleeping - the office. This room was carpeted first, hence the bed and computer set up. Let me tell you, I could get used to this minimal furniture situation. I love it.

But then, of course, there would be no room to store anything.

We also painted a dresser that we've been meaning to paint, started the second coat on the nursery dot border, and made a paper model of both recarpeted rooms and all our furniture to scale so that we could play with what to do with all our furniture items. We are toying with the option of moving Aaron's room to the office now, to get one transition out of the way before the new sibling is added to the family, and to finally be able to get his toys out of the living room.

During the gruntwork of carpet laying, Aaron and I took a walk to the park with grandma, and stopped at a yard sale on the way. Mom cleaned up! We found a set of really cute stencils for her classroom, a clip on the table booster seat, a few clothing items, and a Riccar sewing machine, which mom bought for me at a steal of a deal. I'm pretty excited, as my old machine has tension issues, and frankly, was not built to last.

Which caused me tension. But no longer, thanks to mom and the great yard sale deals.

Maybe by next weekend our house will be normal, we'll be rid of a few tons of excess stuff, and I can post pictures of the final project. All in all, I feel much better at the close of this busy and productive weekend than I would have if we had planned a lazy weekend. There is really too much for us to do to let the weekends slip away. At least at this point. Maybe I'll wait until I'm hugely pregnant, and re-assess.

P.I.R.

P.I.R. = Pregnancy Induced Retardation, term courtesy of my dear youth pastor, Mike VerWay. I'm not sure if it is original with him, but when he first used it to describe the actions of his wife Brenda in my presence, and they both laughed, I was puzzled and slightly indignant that he would use such terminology to describe his wife's behavior.

Then, years later, I was pregnant with Aaron and found that the forgetfulness, amnesia, and just generally stupid things I was doing were indeed aptly labeled "PIR." To my great chagrin, I have not escaped this malady during this pregnancy. I find that PIR has made a comeback, causing me to do and say the craziest things.

You know, things like putting the milk in the cupboard. Or almost shaking chili powder on my oatmeal when I really wanted cinnamon. You know, things like that. (TOTALLY hypothetical, of course)

Anybody else have any good PIR stories? Please tell me I'm not alone.

laughing, shaking my head, whatever...

So I got a call not 5 minutes ago from someone raising money for a very worthy cause. The way they are doing this is by having a show. They asked if they could count on me for my support and attendance. I asked what date the show would be held.

The.man.did.not.know.

Uh, what?

So that is why I'm laughing, shaking my head, whatever.

the little things.

You might have picked up on the fact that I really need to go shopping. This morning, I was checking out my Google Reader before getting Aaron up for the day, and happened upon this post over at Money Saving Mom.

Could there POSSIBLY be a better week for me to run out of pantry staples? I am shouting Glory, breaking out the happy dance and the holy hallelujah hands all at the same time. Could it possibly be that God orchestrates the sales, too? I assert that YES, He can and He DOES!!!

I had scheduled "menu planning and grocery list making" on my list of things to do for TODAY. This, friends, has to be more than a mere circumstance, does it not?

My God cares about the little things, and about providing for little ol' me and my family in the middle of Michigan. YET ANOTHER reminder from my all sufficient God that I am loved beyond measure, and blessed beyond words.

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19

rainy Monday

It's Monday, it's raining (not snowing, HURRAY!) and grey outside, I have a headache and a toddler who is refusing to sleep. (those are two different problems, even though they may sound the same) Did April Fool's come a day early this year?!? *wink*

My "best" April Fool's prank was on my dad, and happened when I was in elementary school. I got some electrical tape and taped the faucet sprayer so that it would spray when you turned on the water. He went to rinse his cereal bowl out and got water all over his school shirt. I was laughing hysterically, and though I am sure he laughed to humor me, I probably wouldn't have been as gracious in the morning. I'm glad I had a "morning person" for a dad. Unfortunately, I did not inherit that tendency, although I certainly do understand the value of getting things done in the morning. (thanks, dad)

So...anybody have any great April Fool's pranks to share? Hopefully you've pulled better ones than I have!

and a happy Friday

One of the things I have missed the most about having cable (we got free cable when we lived in our apartment) is access to the USA network at 10pm on Fridays. You may be asking why, and I'm about to tell you.

I miss watching Monk.

We've rented all the past seasons, and it rarely fails to delight. So you can imagine my absolute shock when I saw a commercial saying that Monk is coming to NBC on April 6. I truly was in shock, unable to speak from happiness. I know, I know. It's the little things.

If you are unfamiliar with the show, you might want to give the website a quick glance. And then you might want to tune in. Or you may think I'm a complete nerd. Either way, it was great news to me!!

the pantry that runneth not dry

Just wanted to quickly share - I haven't been grocery shopping - I mean the "heavy duty" kind of grocery shopping - in about 8 weeks. Sickness, being down to one vehicle, busy-ness of life, quick trips to grab a gallon of milk, eggs, etc., the produce co-op and just plain old wanting to stay home have prevented my usual twice a month shopping days. And so, it has been two months. I was thinking over the weekend about this, and thinking "surely this will be the week I will have to go stock up." And so I planned to take a portion of Monday to plan a menu based on the sales.

Monday came and went. We were busy! So yesterday morning I strolled into our pantry wondering what I could throw together for dinner from what I fully expected to be meager stores. Silly me. I came up with eleven meals I could stretch from that pantry in ten minutes. I am guessing if we throw in a few days of rice & beans I could even make it last longer. Hurray!

Today I'm praising the Lord that HE has blessed us with a pantry that can feed us for so long!

preparation for planting

I always have the best intentions for starting a garden, and then for whatever reason, I barely get to the plant selling places before all the veggie plants are gone, which means a shorter growing season and fewer veggies for us.

This year, Lord willing, it's gonna be different. I'm growing my own little seedlings. And I'm growing my own dirt, to boot.








I found this amazing little growing greenhouse at Home Depot when we stopped in to pick up supplies to finish the LAST STEP for our electrical inspection (Hallelujah praise the LORD!) and thought to myself that this was a great solution to my forgetfulness during planting time.

Included with the cells, draining tray, and dome are these little compressed tablet things that you add warm water to and "grow your own" dirt!! I have videos of that process, and believe you me, it is vile to watch. Trust me.

The seeds are not included, so I bought "Better Boy" tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, colored bell peppers, zucchini and summer squash seeds. And potentially, I will have 72 little seedlings. I don't think I will need that many, so I'll have to find some homes for them in 8-10 weeks when the ground is ready for these little beauties.

The 72-cell greenhouse was $7, but if you don't have friends and family enough to share that many plants, or a half an acre to plant them on, or lots of kids to weed the garden, there was a 36 cell size for around $6 and several other sizes available too. All in all, I got the whole thing for around $13, which would probably have bought about 6 tomato and 6 pepper plants later on in the year. Hopefully I can easily recover the $13 in home grown produce! Who knows? I might get really adventurous and actually plant them in the ground this time instead of using last year's patio gardening method.

Are you planning on a garden this year? What do you like to grow, and how much?

busy days

Yesterday was my first OB appointment with my new doctor, and we toured the hospital wherein he delivers. A few things were wonderful, a few things were scary, and there are more questions that will be answered on the 15th, after the doctor has gone over my medical records from the last pregnancy.

Wonderful Things:
1. The doctor is a believer, and closed our meeting in prayer, asking that God would give him and us wisdom in our difficult decisions about this birth, and that above all Christ be glorified. How often does that happen?
2. He is going to review my medical records and see how much of my "wish list" he is comfortable with. I love that he is willing to take a look, work with me, and views me as an individual rather than just moving ahead with "standard procedure"
3. He will not induce/augment VBAC labors with any type of drugs. This is great, as it significantly reduces the risk of complications.
4. When the nurse at the hospital asked who I was seeing for prenatal care, and I told her, she said "that is the best possible practice you could have chosen. You should not have any problems having a VBAC." which of course was a big positive.

Scary Things
1. The hospital policies of required IV's/helplock and continual monitoring during labor for VBAC moms. Statistics show that both of these measures can increase the likelihood of repeat c-sections.
2. The hospital itself. While it was much better than I remember *whew* it is still a hospital and I do not like them. This one is a little older, and while the technology is probably more advanced and the staff more qualified, it has a certain aura. I think it's probably just me.
3. The fact that this hospital deals with "high risk" moms a lot. This is scary and good at the same time, for a variety of reasons.
4. I realized for the first time that I will always, automatically, be labeled "high risk" because of my prior c-section. What a horrible thought.
5. We're still not sure where the status is about blood testing and how much of it is necessary. That will be addressed at the next appointment.

And there are more scary things that I have no control over, decisions that cannot possibly be made until the pregnancy progresses, the "what if's" of labor and delivery, the things that my loving and sovereign God has planned for me, our family, and this new little one. Would you please continue to keep us in prayer?

Pray that I will trust my God fully in all things, but especially when it comes to the delivery of this baby. I need to be at the point where I can be at peace with whatever God has, and hold loosely my wishes and expectations of this birth. I also need prayer that I will be able to let go of the prior (perceived negative) experiences and think clearly and rationally through each decision, not allowing the past (and my pregnancy hormones, and fear) to cloud my judgment.

PJ deal

Get thee to the closest Kmart! We just came home with winter fleecey blanket sleepers - reduced to $5, and half off that! We got three for just under $8. What a deal!!!

Murphy, and his law...

Thanks, y'all, for praying for my sewing machine. It has had a great attitude. I should have had you pray for MY attitude!

I tried a new pattern. I looked at the size chart, I studied the finished garment measurements, I measured myself, I measured the pattern pieces. I measured it all again. I cut out the dress. Somewhere in translation, the "front skirt" piece has about 8 extra inches. No problem, I say, I can fix that. Also, the dress is about 2 sizes too large.

I have extra black & white daisy fabric. So today, I experimented. WITHOUT a pattern, the way I really prefer to sew. Plan B is basically an a-line tube with straps. It's not quite finished, so the jury is still out. Thank you, mom, for helping me pin. A self-conducted fitting is frustrating, if not impossible.

I may decide to scrap the whole thing, and save the daisy fabric for a skirt later on, for I do have plan C. This dress doesn't look so bad on me at this stage in the game, but all I have for footwear that matches would be inappropriate to the weather. So plan C is to find some brightly colored happy spring shoes.

Plan D: I found a dress at Wal*art of all places. In the regular dresses section. Cute, cute, and cheap, cheap. Perfect.

a great deal

When I see the word "free" it's hard to hold me back.

When "free" is paired with "yogurt" it is a done deal. I have a little yogurt monster.

But when "free" is accompanied by "yo baby organic yogurt"????

Well, just cue the glorious angelic voices and the light shining down from the heavens.

My day has been officially made. (it really doesn't take much, does it?)

the awe continues

I guess it really is in there. Today, it was "nowIknowmy" and the correct, first time identification of approximately 8 letters before moving on to more exciting things, like building block towers and more specifically, knocking over the ones mommy builds.

My thoughts go something like this:
1. I don't think I'm ready for this.
2. Why can't he catch on to first time obedience this easily?
3. Oh yeah. He's my little pagan.

And then there is the issue of today's naptimes. EW. Children should listen to their parents when they say it's naptime, and sweetly comply. A lot of unpleasantness could be avoided this way. Not to mention, it would be a whole lot easier. There is more than one way God teaches us about ourselves, our shortcomings, His Grace.

tasty

It's been over 4 years since I went to our local stores and registered for our wedding gifts. I found this to be a frustrating and tedious process, simply because I had NO CLUE what to choose. I knew I needed a blender, but which model should I choose? Which knives? Which pans?

We were armed with a 2 year old version of Consumer Reports purchasing guide, but I couldn't consult that for every decision! We registered at 3 stores in one day, and it was overwhelming! I remember sitting down in the aisle of WalMart, almost in tears, looking up at my fiance of 4 days, and saying "I don't know what to pick" as if the world would end if I picked the wrong paring knives. He sat down next to me, gave me a hug, and said it would be ok to stop if I needed to. Not only that, he still married me. Boy am I glad about that!

I made a very foolish choice when it came to cookware. I picked an inexpensive set of non-stick, waffle bottomed pans. A set of 5. And I was thrilled when I opened the box, thinking how beautiful my cookware looked all shiny and new.

Also very foolishly, I stored the new pans stacked inside each other with no protection between the layers. I cooked with metal utensils. And, you guessed it, the nonstick coating started to flake off, no doubt leeching toxic materials into our food.

And so I've been replacing my pans one at a time, this time choosing stainless steel, and purchasing them when I found a great deal.

For Christmas, I put "nonstick skillets" on my list, and (to shorten this long story) got some money toward that purchase. Tuesday, I finally bought my first one. A red enameled 10" Calphalon non stick covered saute pan. I have to say, the foolishness of my pre-experience choice has never been so clear. This pan cooks like a DREAM, and I finally know what "non stick" really means. I cooked an egg using nothing but the egg and the pan and the seasoning, and didn't have a horrid mess to clean up.

Praise the Lord for His blessings! Today, I see Him delighting to bless my kitchen with a pretty red pan, and freedom from the ingestion of Teflon.

where have all the dresses gone?

Apparently, there are no pregnant women in Midland who wish to wear dresses. Except me.

I went shopping for a couple hours last night, and did not see one single maternity dress. I went to 7 stores. It boggled my mind, as I see racks and stacks of dresses for non-pregnant women. I even tried on a few of the "regular dresses" that seemed like they might be able to pass for maternity gear. Some of them fit fine, but were all too something - too low, too short, too loud, too dowdy, etc. Come to think of it, that's not really a pregnancy related problem.

I'm at that stage in the game where I can't wear my maternity dresses from my first pregnancy because my belly isn't big enough, but my regular dresses are a little snug. Ok, more than a little. And Midland's maternity clothing selection has never been fabulous. Most of my collection of clothing are hand me downs from friends and garage sale finds, mixed in with a few new things from nearby cities and some online buys.

I wonder if I can sew something before Sunday. Those "one hour" patterns seldom are, but here's hoping. Pray for my sewing machine. You know how they tend to get an attitude when there's a looming deadline.

Here is where you come in. Both of these fabrics will be made into maternity gear, I just need help deciding which will be first, for this coming Sunday. I'm singing in the choir for the Easter cantata.

The one on the left is a brown and burgundy rayon/poly crepe, a thinner fabric, but would never need ironing. It would be breezy and cool.

The black and white on the right is another poly/rayon blend that has a smoother finish and a heavier weight. It might be a little warmer, but I'm not sure it says "SPRING IS HERE!"

Will you help me choose? Vote! State your opinion! Voice your concerns! Tell me to drive to another city and go shopping! Just don't tell me to shop online. I need to try things on...especially at this "Is She Fat or Pregnant?" stage.

bathtime

Ahh, toddlerhood. It sneaks up on you. One day you're sponging carefully around the umbilical cord, and the next you're dodging tsunami-like splashes. Aaron loves his bathtime letters. He sees them and starts "singing" the alphabet song. He's sure getting gigantic.

Yesterday morning, he was playing with a LeapFrog ball that sings the alphabet song as it rolls, and the song stopped at the letter "P" and out of Aaron's mouth comes "QRSTUV" all hooked together like one word, and my jaw dropped. I called Michael, incredulous. At least we know it's somewhere in his subconscious, even though we are unable to duplicate the miraculous event.

c'mon, spring!!

Yesterday I aired the house out - it was a beautiful, sunny day with temperatures close to 50 degrees. And I made Shyla's soup recipe for dinner. The high for today? Predicted at 36. Oh, well. I guess I'll have to figure out something warm and soothing for supper tonight, too! With being sick, I've slacked waaaay off on menu planning!!

Michael is working today since he missed Thursday. We are so thankful he has such a flexible boss. Aaron and I have to run to the bank, and do a couple other errands, like hopefully taking advantage of some great deals on cereal.

So our intestinal illness has morphed into a respiratory illness. Weird. It's like the virus knows how to knock out our immune systems, then kick us while we're down & out. This time, all three of us have it to some extent. Thankfully, I have all the herbal supplements I need for respiratory issues. And I'm not puking, so little Muth #2 can get some much needed nutrition!!

I'll be sooooo thankful when Spring is here and we can get plenty of fresh air!! AND exercise!!

Speaking of which, does anyone have a great pregnancy workout video they would recommend? I am in a desperate search, and I'm horribly uncoordinated. I mean, horribly. I could never quite master the "box step" or whatever the crazy thing was called at NBBC in aerobics class. After a whole semester, 3 days a week. So you see what you're working with here. Any ideas?

I wouldn't believe it myself!

If I hadn't just lived through it, I would not believe it was true. Wednesday morning, guess what I woke up with? More "severe digestive distress." Thankfully, it seems to have been a 48 hour variety instead of the considerably longer version I came down with a short week and a half earlier - it has been a rough 4 weeks.

I've got some herbal remedy ideas from a natural momma/midwife friend of mine, to boost my immune system and hopefully strengthen my overall digestive health. I hope to start on these today so that the next time this nasty bug comes a-knockin' I'll be ready.

Aaron got a mild case, Michael stayed home from work to care for his sick family. He's such a wonderful husband & daddy. The photo is of the boys cleaning a toy at the sink - isn't it so adorable? Please excuse the dirty pans and dishes. I have been sick...and I'll clean up today, I promise!!

and I quote

I'm reading Silent Knife, a book about C-section prevention and VBAC, and this little gem made me laugh out loud today.

"It's hard to be relaxed when people are standing around watching the clock and waiting anxiously for your uterus to burst"

I'd say.

the best laid plans

I almost forgot my 8:45 appointment.  I remembered at 8:04.  Thankfully, Aaron was eating his toast and eggs and strapped into his high chair, so I had time for a 4 minute shower and a chance to blow dry my hair.  Surely I'm not the only mother to abandon her child in the high chair, albeit momentarily?

Our taxes are almost done.  Thank you, Turbo Tax.  This year, I promise, I'll keep detailed records of our clothing donations with It's Deductible.  And I'll get reciepts when I donate.  And I won't lose the interest statement from the bank and have to call them for a replacement.  And I'll have another baby.  Just so I can have a "Life Change" for Turbo Tax.

This year, we won't go into debt.  But we'll still be able to re- side the house.  And build a wall of bookshelves in the living room to house our huge library that is 
currently occupying the closet in the office.  The office that needs to be converted into a bedroom.  Before September.  And, we will win a free car to replace the Mazda. Of course, the interest will be paid as part of the deal.  Let's win a vacation, too.

I'm good at thinking up magnificent plans.  Not so good with the follow through.  
I guess that means instead of blogging, and trying not to freak out about the crazy format of this post, I need to go and dust. 

in the spotlight and the shadows

This week is missions conference at our church. Dr. Anderson from Baptist Mid Missions is the main speaker for the week and there are three great families here to share their ministries with us. The flags of all the countries where our missionaries serve hang in the auditorium. It's an exciting week.

Missions conference always gets me thinking. When I was a girl, my parents shared with me their burden that the gospel be spread throughout the world, and made it very clear that if I felt that God wanted me to be a missionary, they would be supportive and happy to see me serve in that way. I was grateful for this, as I had heard stories from missionaries about how their families were not so supportive.

College came, and Northland has a great missions and ministry emphasis. As I went through school, I guess I kind of expected to be a single world traveling missionary, or some other full time vocational Christian worker. I was thrilled by this - excitedly awaiting God's direction and guidance to my perfect fit in ministry. I remember a series of events caused me to have a chat with dad about "full time ministry" and what that entailed. Shortly after, the lightning bolt of understanding struck me and I was all conflicted.

I wrestled with the idea that maybe God did NOT want me in "full time vocational ministry" and I admit this was a great source of panic. It completely upset all that I had been planning and every single one of my own expectations. When I realized what I was panicked about, I felt rather foolish.

You see, even though I wouldn't have admitted it at the time, I somehow had adopted the idea that my serving God full time was dependent on where my provisions came from - who wrote the check. I'd somehow arrived at the conclusion that if my checks came from a church, a Christian school, or a mission board, I was a full time vocational minister. And if, I reasoned, I was in full time vocational ministry, everyone would know that I had made great sacrifices and that I was the most surrendered I could possibly be.

And selfishly, I wanted a front row seat in God's work overseas. I wanted to watch as new believers were baptized in a river, risking rejection by their families. I wanted to see growth of a brand new baby church, to watch in person instead of via flashing images on the screen with missionary narration. I wanted to get my hands dirty. And I wanted to tell stories that would get other people excited about serving God, too. I wanted God to use me to make an impact on the world.

I did not want to entertain any ideas that maybe God had something else for me. Of course, it's easy to brush those thoughts aside - "would Satan want me in missions?" I would ask myself, as if that would settle the whole thing.

I'll tell you what Satan DID want - he wanted me to keep my heart from being truly surrendered to do whatever God wanted. And Satan still wants that. When I struggle with discontent in my family's ministry, when I get frustrated at all I am "not doing," and when I wish we weren't doing as much, when I ignore God's leading to reach out to the neighbors, when I ask God "why?" and when I push for my own way. God wants my whole heart, my whole mind, and my whole self to be surrendered to Him. He wants me to serve Him one hundred percent.

And so I am learning to be ready, willing to do whatever He leads us to do. I am learning what it is to follow. And to keep following. And I will keep learning to daily surrender, and keep rejoicing at God's work in the world - in the spotlight, and in the shadows. He doesn't need me, after all, to accomplish Great Things. He is GOD.

it's Friday, and all is peachy.

In college, my beloved voice instructor introduced me to the term "gospel song" as being descriptive of a sacred song that was not a hymn. Up until then, "gospel song" had held for me a very honky-tonky-southern-gospel-y connotation.

And when I say, "up until then" I really mean that hearing that term still gives me a case of the southern gospel laughs. I mean FITS of laughter. I can't do it, I really can't call anything for real a gospel song. I've sung plenty of gospel songs in the honky-tonky-southern-gospel-y style, but it was for fun. Now, it's fine with me if you like southern gospel, or honky tonk, or whatever. But for me, it's amusing. You can call me stuffy. I don't mind. *wink*

So today, I judged at MACS. I judged the male vocal solo category. I was a stand-in judge, a last minute addition. It was fabulously fun, bringing back more memories and hilarity than one person has a right to enjoy. There were a few mangled foreign languages, a little voice cracking, and a lot of furrowed brows. There was even a "gospel song." Ending the day was a brilliantly executed aria from The Magic Flute, and when I say brilliant, I mean that the boy sang in German and had us all in stitches. That is brilliance. It was a very good day.

So, thanks Deb. And Brett. You made it all possible. And, I miss you.

Strange Lives?

So, the other day I was in the supermarket line, waiting for the woman ahead of me as she s-l-o-w-l-y loaded her groceries onto the belt. As I waited, my eyes wandered to the tabloid headlines. Don't tell me that this doesn't happen to you - I know it does. These headlines frequently amuse me. "Live dinosaur robs museum" etc.

One tabloid had, in 2 inch hot pink letters "Inside the Strange Life of Suri Cruise" with these bullet points:

- No TV or Happy Meals
- No medicine ever! Just herbs!
- Scientology play dates

And I thought to myself, sounds like the Cruises are being pretty responsible parents. I mean, I make sure when Aaron has "play dates" that the families we go play with have beliefs that line up with ours. I use herbs to treat certain symptoms. Aaron's never had a Happy Meal, and although he does watch TV, it's pretty limited.

Not that I expected more out of a tabloid, but I do think it would be interesting to meet the editor who thinks these qualities warrant a hot pink "Strange Lives" label. Maybe that editor's kids eat Happy Meals every day? The chuckle that this little supermarket tabloid gave me was big enough that the smile did not leave my face when I realized that the slow grocery loader had forgotten her wallet. I was almost grateful that I'd had so much time on my hands that I'd had to resort to tabloid headlines for reading material.

Almost.

the produce

Any of you living in the greater Midland area who are looking for a great source for less expensive produce, shoot me an email (twomuthsatgmaildotcom) or leave a comment with your email address included. I'm part of a co-op in the area and we are looking for some new members! I will get you in touch with the lady in charge.

Here is the rundown:
-you can order as much or as little as you want or need. No need to buy a whole case of something as there are others who will split with you.
-convenient online ordering - you are emailed a catalog, and then place your order on an automatic "splits page" - it's so easy!
-organic and regular produce is available, as well as specialty items such as juice, jam, eggs, etc. Many items are priced less than grocery store prices, and as you may know, it's awfully hard to find good quality organic anything in this area. The produce is fresh and YUMMY! I'm not really an "all organic" girl, but if the price is close enough to the non-organic, sign me up!
-pickup in the Freeland area
-no dues, just occasional help unloading truck!

Some sample prices from my order this month:
Avocados, 69 cents each
3# bag Empire apples, $1.87 each
Red seedless grapes, 97 cents/lb
Organic pineapple, $1.45 each

This month's order is due by Saturday morning, so be sure to let me know if you are interested in taking a look at the catalog.

confession

So Aaron and I are staying home from church today. Why? We certainly aren't sick enough to be contagious, (I am rather weak, still!) but we've heard through the grapevine that there are plenty of church family members who ARE sick, or have been this week. Many of them are children. And I for one do not wish to trust my weakened immune system to the germy oasis of a sick community.

I'm normally not a germophobe. If that is even a word. I try my hardest not to think about the multitudes of sick children sneezing their way through the building on a daily basis for school, or the fact that four year olds use the same room as the one year old nursery. I don't ask if they disinfect the toys. I have enough other things to worry about.

But two weeks of sickness have made me extra cautious. Next week, Lord willing, we will finally be back for corporate worship. Isn't it amazing how a couple weeks away from church can really throw you for a loop? I miss the fellowship, the congregational songs, and the exposition of God's Word. I will be thankful to go back to church. And I am also thankful that the illness of the individual members does not indicate the spiritual health of our church body!!

This is what happens...

When you're sick for 2 weeks and don't venture into the pantry, several things happen. The pantry stays in disarray, and the onions, well, sprout. And grow long tentacles. Not to mention the rest of the house and the tentacles growing there.

I'm feeling better (can you hear the angel voices?) Thanks to the love and support of our friends and church family, Aaron had a fun week playing with various friends, and I got a lot of sleep.

I would never wish this sickness on anyone. It was horrible. I lost close to 10 pounds in the last few days, and although I'm not devastated about the number on the scale by any means, getting the stomach flu is not the ideal way to achieve a weight loss goal. And the time for weight loss is definitely not during pregnancy! I am so thankful that I did not have to go to the hospital for fluid replacement. Praise the Lord for electrolyte drinks, even by the teaspoon.

Hopefully you all stay healthy - Spring is coming!!